Maria Manuela, Princess of Portugal

Music

Music in civic and religious processions

In early 16th-century processions, such as Corpus Christi in Coimbra, participants performed choral polyphony, instrumental music, dances, and even acted out scenes while dressed as angels.

At the table

Common drinks and the poor's fish

Water and wine were the primary drinks, and in cities, water carriers sold fresh water using carts or jars to those who needed it. Sardines were a staple for the poor, often serving as a common alternative to more expensive fish or meat.

Daily life

Street food in 16th-century Lisbon

People of limited means in Lisbon purchased a variety of ready-to-eat foods from street vendors, including fried fish, grilled sardines, boiled tripe, and sweets like rice pudding and marmalade.

What people wore

Ceremonial dress and mourning attire

Ceremonial clothing in the early sixteenth century was often heavy, uncomfortable, and designed solely to be looked at, intentionally preventing the wearer from performing simple daily tasks. During this period, mourners wore coarse fabrics like burel, almáfega, and vaso as a form of penance.

Getting around

Travel Methods and Social Class Restrictions

Travelers commonly used horses or mules for transport, while ordinary people typically traveled on foot or by donkey because riding a mule was a status symbol reserved for nobility, clergy, and military leaders until the 16th century.

What it cost

Rising Meat Prices in Lisbon

By the start of the 16th century, the price of meat in Lisbon rose sharply, with a 25 percent increase in the cost of beef and mutton occurring over a three-year period.